I own an illustrative and concise guidebook of Corto Maltese. It suggests multiple itineraries in Venice and its beautiful islands. It has taken me years to complete all of them.
The guidebook has the section introducing a visit to the island of San Lazzaro degli Armeni, which is home to a secluded monastery. I am someone who wants to visit places I have never been (and I have not visited San Lazzaro degli Armeni just yet).
Last year, I was back in Venice but almost forgot to visit San Lazzaro until an ad caught my eyes at San Zaccaria vaporetto stop.
The ad promotes a guided tour to San Lazzaro with a phone number and an email address at the end. I immediately remember again my wish to visiting this island and phoned the tour operator to book two spots at the tour.
The operator slated us at a timeslot at 15:30 (italian speaking tour) next day and instructed us to take a vaporetto line 20 to reach San Lazzaro island in time.
On the next day, the line 20 was majorly delayed and we knew we would not make it for the tour. So I quickly called the tour operator again and he slated us for an English speaking tour a day after at 13:30.
We finally managed to get to the tour in time on the second try. And I would say the try was worth it even we missed the first one.
And I will tell you why.
The door opens
As a precaution, we arrive at San Lazzaro like 90 minutes before the tour started in order not to miss the tour anymore. Our early arrival gave us plenty of time to immerse ourself in the tranquility that the islands embodies.
You won’t believe you would experience serenity and peace not far from the busy San Marco.
Unfortunately, it was a bit cloudy on our visit but the weather did not spoil the tranquility and peaceful feeling left on us while sitting on the chairs at the terrace looking over the sea.
During our wait to the tour, we also saw the plumbers and gardeners take care of the premises with heavy tractors which was also the rare site in Venice. Don’t forget that locals live in Venice, not just us as tourists.
A monk, who is obviously a resident at San Lazzaro, passed us and saluted us. He browsed his black telephone like his black robe and said “oh, you got the tour shortly”.
A few minutes later, the door to the tour finally opened. A tour guide motioned us to come in.
Introduction to the Monastery at San Lazzaro
Our tour guide, a charming and friendly lady, led our tour group and navigated us in the maze of monastery.
Our first stop was at
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